“As we mark the one-year anniversary this week of NYC officially going into lockdown, the city has come a long way since last March. However, the continued rise in anti-Asian violence and racism both within the city and across the country only shows that there’s still work to be done—and it’s important that we support our fellow AAPI New Yorkers during this especially difficult time.

This weekend, as you spend time with your family and loved ones, we also ask that you check in on your AAPI friends, neighbors, and local small businesses. Because as New Yorkers, taking care of each other is what we do. And whether it’s through showing kindness or wearing a mask and social distancing responsibly, we’ll only get through it together.”

Try a new Chinese fast-casual spot

Weekend-long
Financial District
In Mandarin, “chi” can translate to eat and “nah” to where. At Chinah, a brand-new, homestyle Chinese spot, their hope is that you’ll want to eat everything from there. The takeout and delivery concept originated in Jersey City and this downtown location is their first Manhattan outpost. The menu centers around a bowl concept: favorites include a hot and sour Szechuan shredded pork, served with seasonal greens, smashed cucumber salad, and forbidden black rice; and the Signature, made with honey-soy glazed, thick-cut pork belly, greens, and white rice.
Cost: Bowls from $11
 

Eat in Chinatown and support its small businesses

Weekend-long
Chinatown
Even months before NYC’s first official COVID-19 case and lockdown last March, Chinatown in downtown Manhattan saw a drastic decrease in business and foot traffic due to anti-Asian sentiment and xenophobia. Since then, residents, non-profit organizations, and advocates like Chinese-American cookbook author and culinary historian, Grace Young, have been fighting to regain a semblance of vitality for the neighborhood, and its eateries and small businesses are in need of our continued support. This weekend, help save the historic neighborhood by paying it a visit and give a listen to our recent Thrillist Explorers Podcast episode to learn more on how to do your part. 
Cost: Varies
 

Eat a croffle (you read that right)

Weekend-long
Flushing
A mashup of a croissant with anything is pretty damn tasty, but have you ever had a croffle? It’s —you probably guessed—a croissant that’s been smashed into a waffle maker. But at Croffle House in Flushing, they don’t stop there: you can top your croffle with everything from mangoes and whipped cream to the more savory combo of red bean and butter. And, if you’re still hungry, grab a chewy mochi doughnut on your way out: they’ve got flavors from lemon to Oreo.
Cost: Croffles from $3.25
 

Sample one of New York’s finest smash burgers

Weekend-long
Lower East Side
New Yorkers love to argue about the size of burger patties: do you prefer them so big that you can barely take a bite? Or griddled thin and crispy? If you’re in the latter camp, pencil in a meal this weekend at Smashed, a new burger spot that’s slinging skinny patties loaded with flavor. While you can’t go wrong with the Classic (American cheese, onions, pickles, special sauce), we also recommend bringing your appetite and grabbing the messy-but-worth-it chilli cheeseburger. And good news, vegans: they’ve even got an Impossible smashed patty.
Cost: Burgers from $8

Jumpstart Jewish holiday prep

Weekend-long
Union Square
Passover may not start until next week, but luckily, Breads Bakery is getting in the holiday spirit early. All sorts of flourless goodies are available at the shop, including coconut macaroons, cheesecake, and chocolate brownie cake. You can even pick up some savory dishes that are a far cry from regular Seder fare: think a sunchoke and gruyere matzah brei.
Cost: Cookie sets from $11
 

Scoop up wine from a new shop featuring women, BIPOC, and LBGTQ+ producers

Weekend-long
Crown Heights
We love celebrating new businesses opening during a pandemic, and this is one we’ve waited a long time for. FIASCO is a wine shop from famed bartender Ivy Mix and wine industry vets Conor McKee and Piper Kristensen that originally signed its lease in February of ‘20 (hence the name). As to be expected from the shop’s pedigree, this is far from a typical store: the trio is not only sourcing many rare bottles, but placing an emphasis on wines from women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ makers. Even better, they’re planning on hiring as many people from the neighborhood as possible, so local oenophiles: polish those resumes.
Cost: Prices vary
 

Celebrate women of the world at this theater’s festival

Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21
Virtual
This weekend, The Apollo is mounting their fifth annual WOW (Women of the World) Festival, a two-day digital celebration of conversations, workshops, and performances from women and girls around the globe. The theme this year is Black Women Transcending and will feature everything from learning how to wear headwraps to cooking Ghanaian food to live concerts from singers like Adeline. Don’t miss the closing night program of short films by women in sci-fi, fantasy, and folklore.
Cost: $20 for the full festival pass
 

Score new (to you) duds and save the planet

Weekend-long
Astoria
If your at-home efforts to become a tie-dyeing master didn’t work out so well, SavageHall Thrift’s pop-up at Fern Botanica is here for you. Check out their Spring ’21 collection in person for this weekend only: it’s a mix of carefully edited vintage finds, plus their hand-dyed, upcycled streetwear. And, since everything is one-of-a-kind, you can be assured that absolutely no one else will be rocking it.
Cost: Prices vary
 

Pick up dinner cooked by a former mayor’s chef

Weekend-long
Tribeca
Grab and go has certainly never been as popular as right now, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for sad little salads or dried-out chicken breasts. Instead, treat yourself to dinner from twiggy to go, a new spot from chef Mitchel London who was Mayor Ed Koch’s chef at Gracie Mansion back in the day. Twiggy will be selling everything from Indonesian noodles with chicken and shrimp to roasted tomato and gruyere tarts, with all the food being prepped in-house daily. And London is famous for his sweets, so don’t skimp on confections like the chocolate devil dog cake or the classic apple pie.
Cost: Entrees from $15